Health

One of the biggest challenges for medicine in the 21st century is understanding more about the diseases that come with aging like Alzheimer's, cancer and Parkinson's. Americans have made an enormous leap in life expectancy over the past century. Now, Bay Area scientists are looking to extend lifespan, and "healthspan" to 100 years and beyond. […]

Just how safe is your shampoo, eye liner or aftershave? No one really knows. In an effort to shed more light on the ingredients in everyday cosmetics and toiletries, California lawmakers passed the Safe Cosmetics Act, which takes effect this year. It requires manufacturers to report all toxic or carcinogenic ingredients to the state and lets the public decide what is safe.

How safe is your makeup, perfume or lotion? Surprisingly, no one really knows. Two years ago, California passed groundbreaking legislation requiring cosmetic companies to report if their products contained toxic or carcinogenic ingredients. This year, the Safe Cosmetics Act of 2005 goes into effect and other states are closely watching California as they consider similar […]

Editor's Note: Producer Amy Miller, who was reporting the story on camera in tonight's 7/24 episode on premature births titled "Born Too Soon: Preterm Births on the Rise", was placed on bed rest for preterm labor 2 weeks after filming. She is at day 27 of mandatory bed rest at the hospital. In this post […]

The United States has the highest rate of premature births of any developed nation in the world. But why? QUEST meets Bay Area researchers working to answer that question, and discovers some of the technology and cutting-edge medical procedures used to care for the most vulnerable newborns. You may view the "Born Too Soon" TV […]

Last blog I talked about the current revolution in DNA sequencing. Within the next five years you'll probably be able to get all 6 billion letters of your DNA on a CD to look over at your leisure. Someone who read the blog asked me if I would have my DNA sequenced for 1000 dollars. […]

Mosquitoes are actually the most dangerous animals in the world, killing more than two million people per year. In the United States alone, there are 150 different species, each carrying a different type of disease.

Zookeepers are using a lighter touch to keep their animals strong and healthy. From body work and acupuncture for giraffes, to pachyderm pedicures, come see how the Oakland Zoo is using alternative treatments to guarantee the well-being of its residents. You may view the "Please Touch the Animals: Environmental Enrichment at Zoos" TV Story online, […]

I wonder if homes in the past fifty years or so have undergone a similar evolution in architecture– or devolution, depending on your point of view– as churches. Dining with FriendsDuring my former career as a Catholic priest, I taught a few Religious Studies classes at a small college. My favorite text in one class […]

How deeply do you want to look into your DNA? Credit: U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs Remember Jim Watson? The guy who co-discovered what DNA looks like? Recently he got to look at the 6 billion letters that make up his DNA. And maybe soon you can get a peek at yours. In a […]

Last blog I talked about how I may have to be cloned to get my own embryonic stem (ES) cells. I was willing to deal with all of the associated ethical baggage because these sorts of cells would be so useful. They'll help cure many of my future ailments without my body rejecting these ES […]

The Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard bears traces of a toxic — and historic– military legacy. It could also be the site of the new 49ers stadium. But cleaning up this 500 acre Superfund site is costly and time consuming. QUEST looks at how the site got that way, and how the Navy is cleaning it […]

The Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard bears traces of a toxic — and historic– military legacy. It could also be the site of the new 49ers stadium. But cleaning up this 500 acre Superfund site is costly and time consuming.

Unlike this cat, my future clone won’t grow beyond a few hundred cells. Last blog I talked about lucky IVF kids who will get to have their own personalized embryonic stem (ES) cells one day. So in the future they'll have cells to help treat their diabetes. Or Alzheimer's. Or Parkinson's. Or… And all of […]

California's landmark stem cell research program made headlines nationally, but what is the latest story behind the science? QUEST investigates the potential for medical breakthroughs in the next decade and how the Bay Area is leading the way.

California's landmark stem cell research program made headlines nationally, but what's the latest story behind the science? QUEST investigates the potential for medical breakthroughs in the next decade and how the Bay Area is leading the way. Leave your comment or question below for Series Producer Josh Rosen on this story. San Francisco Bay Invaders […]

Katie had me. With one paw on firmly on my shoulder and the other on my head, her teeth gently explored my hair. I knew if I pushed away, she would tighten her grip, so I sat still and breathed. She stepped back and examined me with her large, green eyes. I stroked the fur […]

I was talking with Matt Golden of Sustainable Spaces, a home performance contractor in San Francisco, at the annual Affordable Comfort conference in Cleveland last month. Matt is what I like to call a "friend of Home Energy," someone who is enthusiastic about our common cause: making homes healthier and more energy efficient. And Matt […]